GCSE Biology - Cancer

Cancer

  • Definition: Uncontrolled cell division forming tumors.

  • Types of Tumors:

    • Benign – does not spread; non-cancerous.

    • Malignant – spreads to other tissues; cancerous.

  • Causes of Cancer:

    • Mutations in DNA (caused by carcinogens like tobacco smoke, UV radiation, viruses, and inherited mutations)

    • Uncontrolled mitosis leads to tumor growth

  • Treatment:

    • Surgery (removal of tumors)

    • Chemotherapy (drugs that kill cancer cells)

    • Radiotherapy (radiation to destroy cancer cells)